die Tablette
tablet / pill
A small, compressed form of medication intended to be taken orally.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt hat mir Tabletten gegen die Kopfschmerzen verschrieben.
The doctor prescribed me tablets for the headache.
die Tablette
tablet
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Meanings
die Tablette
tablet
A flat, portable computer with a touch-sensitive screen, also known as a tablet computer or simply tablet.
EXAMPLE
Sie liest ihre E-Mails am liebsten auf ihrer neuen Tablette.
She prefers to read her emails on her new tablet.
Usage tips
Context clue: medicine
When 'Tablette' (tablet/pill) is used in the context of doctors, pharmacies, illnesses, or pain, it always means the medical pill. Pay attention to signal words like 'Arzt' (doctor), 'Rezept' (prescription), or 'Kopfschmerzen' (headache).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss dreimal täglich eine Tablette nehmen.
I have to take one tablet three times a day.
Context clue: technology
When apps, browsing the internet, battery, or screen are being discussed, 'Tablette' (tablet) refers to the portable computer. The technical context makes the meaning clear.
EXAMPLE
Der Akku meiner Tablette ist schon wieder leer.
The battery of my tablet is dead again already.
Correct verb: einnehmen
The typical verb for swallowing medication is 'einnehmen' (to take). You don't 'eat' or 'drink' a tablet.
EXAMPLE
Nehmen Sie die Tablette mit ausreichend Wasser ein.
Take the tablet with enough water.
Correct preposition: auf
When describing an activity on a tablet computer, the preposition 'auf' (on) is used with the dative. For example, you browse 'auf der Tablette' (on the tablet).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielen gerne auf der Tablette.
The children like playing on the tablet.
Compare with
Tablette vs Tablet
tablet
Tablet is the usual and unambiguous term for the portable touchscreen computer. Tablette can also have this meaning, but it sounds unusual in this sense and is usually understood to mean a medication. For the computer, Tablet is therefore the better choice in normal usage.
Tablette
Der Autor bezeichnet den tragbaren Touchscreen-Computer ungewohnt als Tablette.
The author unusually refers to the portable touchscreen computer as a “Tablette.”
Tablet
Für die Reise nimmt Jana ihr Tablet mit, um unterwegs Filme anzusehen.
Jana is taking her tablet with her on the trip so she can watch movies on the way.
In real life
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